DeWalt DCD785 20V MAX 1/2″ Compact Hammer Drill Review
Mini Review
I’ve used the DCD785 for a year and a half as my general-purpose drill driver. I use it for Tapcons, masonry drilling, wood drilling and wood auger bits. A good all-around drill, and the hammer mode means one tool covers wood and block.
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- Overall Rating
- In The Box
- DCD785 hammer drill/driver
- Two 20V MAX batteries
- Charger
- Belt hook
- Carrying case
- Price
- Product Website
- Shop For It
The DCD785 is discontinued on Amazon. The Amazon link goes to the DCD805, DeWalt’s newer brushless compact hammer drill.
Overview
The DCD785 is DeWalt’s compact 20V MAX 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver. It has a two-speed transmission (0–600 and 0–2,000 RPM), a hammer mode rated at 34,000 blows per minute and 350 unit watts out. The 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck holds larger bits, and it weighs about 3.5 lb. The DCD785C2 kit comes with two batteries, a charger and a case.
What We Like
- Truly general purpose: Tapcons, masonry, wood drilling and auger bits.
- Hammer mode at 34,000 BPM for concrete and block.
- Two speeds: low for driving and augers, high for drilling.
- 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck holds auger bits and larger masonry bits.
- Compact at about 3.5 lb.
What We Don't Like
- Brushed motor. Runtime and power trail DeWalt’s brushless hammer drills.
- A compact hammer drill, not a rotary hammer. For lots of large holes in concrete, use an SDS tool.
First Impressions
I’ve had the DCD785 for about a year and a half, and it’s become my general-purpose drill driver. The hammer mode is the reason to pick it over a plain drill driver: the same tool that drives screws and bores wood also handles Tapcons and masonry holes.
What's In The Box
- DCD785 hammer drill/driver
- Two 20V MAX batteries
- Charger
- Belt hook
- Carrying case
Specifications
- Model: DCD785 (DCD785C2 kit)
- Platform: 20V MAX
- Chuck: 1/2 in. ratcheting
- Speeds: 0–600 / 0–2,000 RPM
- Hammer rate: 34,000 BPM
- Power: 350 unit watts out
- Weight: about 3.5 lb
Full Review
I’ve used the DCD785 for a year and a half as my everyday drill driver, and it’s a good all-around drill. I’ve used it for Tapcons, masonry drilling, wood drilling and wood auger bits, and it covers all of them.
The hammer mode is what makes it general purpose. Setting Tapcons and drilling masonry holes with the same drill you use for wood means one less tool on the job. For wood, the low gear and 1/2-inch chuck let it turn auger bits, which is more than a lot of compact drills are built for.
Know its limits. It’s a compact hammer drill with a brushed motor, not a rotary hammer. For occasional anchors and masonry holes it’s right on target. If you’re drilling lots of large holes in concrete, an SDS rotary hammer is the right tool.
If you want one drill that handles wood, screws and the occasional masonry job, this is a solid pick, especially in the kit with two batteries. Recommended for DIY, Handyman and Contractor.
See how it compares: DeWalt DCD777 vs DCD785
Related reviews: DeWalt DCD777 Drill · DeWalt DCF885 Impact Driver · DeWalt DCD777 vs DCD785 · Best Cordless Drills for Homeowners
Also consider: DeWalt DCD777 (review) · Makita XFD10 (review)
Gear for this tool: DeWalt 20V MAX 5Ah batteries (2-pack) · DeWalt 14-piece titanium drill bit set
Warranty Information
DeWalt 3-year limited warranty. Check DeWalt’s site for current terms.
Tool Space Recommendation
Our recommendation by skill level.
